Supervisors, Officers Disciplined in HPD Homicide Probe

Four high-level homicide investigators and four officers have been disciplined after an extensive internal investigation of the Houston Police Department's homicide division.

The investigation found that 24 cases dating back to 2004 "were identified with deficiencies including not conducting proper follow-up, not entering documentation in a timely manner, insufficient documentation, or none at all," according to an HPD statement released Friday after HPD Chief Charles McClelland held a press conference announcing the results.

"The majority of the deficiencies occurred between 2008 and 2012," according to the press release, which "determined the major problems identified were the direct result of the actions of one individual, Sergeant Ryan Chandler, and not pervasive throughout the division."

Twenty-one of the 24 cited cases were "connected" to Chandler, who was indefinitely suspended, according to the release.

Chandler "was less than forthright with his supervisors and fellow employees, failed to conduct proper follow-up in the manner in which he was trained and expected to perform, and appeared to have taken advantage of the trust placed in him as a supervisor in the Homicide Division," according to the statement. "Also, during the Internal Affairs investigation, Sgt. Chandler was untruthful."

Continue for video of the press conference announcing the findings in the HPD homicide investigation.

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"I want to let the public know that in no way is this indicative of the 5,300 men and women who work hard every day in protecting and serving this city," McClelland stated in the release. "I also want to state that I have complete confidence in the Homicide Division. I fully expect all my commanders to constantly look for ways to make things better and improve processes and procedures. This investigation is an example of how we look for deficiencies and develop better processes."

The release also explained that "new processes and procedures have been put in place as a result of this investigation, such as stricter mandates/controls regarding file submissions, improved file preparation, tighter security controls and documentation of the file room, and creation of automated management reports."